Security is a key theme of today's Queen's Speech, which is showcasing the mammoth Government programme ahead of a general election.

Tony Blair wants to place the issue at the heart of Labour's campaign in the poll expected next May.

Measures to combat international terror, organised crime and anti-social behaviour have been trailed ahead of the speech. And apparent attempts to repeat the September 11 attacks in Britain were leaked last night on the eve of the event.

The timing of revelations about planned suicide strikes on London's Canary Wharf and Heathrow Airport provoked some scepticism.

Legislation outlined by the Queen will set the scene for an election where Mr Blair is expected to link the insecurity caused by terrorism and crime.

He is not to confirming plans for an early election in May by publishing just a brief list of Bills. Instead, the Queen is announcing up to 37 in her address. However, many will be in the draft form increasingly favoured by the Government and stand little chance of becoming law for years.

Moves towards the introduction of ID cards will be among the most controversial measures.

Plans for a nationwide serious crime agency, dubbed the British FBI, will also be included. Other Bills will deal with the seemingly less serious problems that blights people's lives such as youth sentencing, graffiti, litter and other nuisances.

The Home Secretary David Blunkett's more controversial proposals to combat al Qaeda and other fanatics will be left out.

Commons leader Peter Hain has defended the extensive raft of legislation. "This isn't nanny government," he said. "It's ensuring that everyone has choices and are best equipped to take maximum advantage of those choices to achieve their aspiration."

A Credit Bill allowing people to claim back cash after falling victim to extortionate lenders is among the expected measures.

People will able to turn to an independent ombudsman for recompense.

The Government's opponents are likely seize on ministers' determination to press ahead with the Gambling Bill.

And renewed controversy over the EU constitution will also be provoked by legislation paving the way for a referendum on the treaty.